Unofficial summary. This is a community summary of the town's official minutes, provided so the record is searchable and readable. It condenses the meeting and may omit detail. The official signed PDF is the complete record of authority.
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Schaghticoke met at the Town Hall, 290 Northline Drive, Melrose, on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Regular meeting — 7:00 PM
Roll call took place.
Present: Ed McDonough (Chairman), Rich Geddis, Kristin Griswold, and Jay Shover. Absent: Lettie Saheim.
David Brennan, Town Attorney, and Elizabeth Hale, Clerk, were present.
Approval of prior minutes
The Board reviewed the minutes of the August 7, 2025 meeting. Ed McDonough moved to approve them as submitted; Jay Shover seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Shover · Nays: None · Abstention: Griswold.
Patricia Powers — area variances (Tax Map #61.-1-18)
Pat Powers appeared with her son, Marc Fusco, and submitted an application for area variances for her property in an RA district at 6 Powers Lane (formerly Olga Lane). Powers Lane, a dead-end street, is a 1950s subdivision with lots 100 feet wide by 300 feet deep. Ms. Powers owns two lots that were merged at some point under a single tax-map number; the merged parcel now measures 200′ × 300′ with an existing dwelling on one of the original lots. She would like to subdivide back to the original 100′ × 300′ lots, which would not meet the Town Zoning Code’s 3-acre density and setback rules and would require substantial area variances for density and side-yard setbacks.
The Board found the application incomplete and advised the applicant to sketch a footprint of the proposed dwelling on the new lot to establish setbacks. Septic design was discussed, and a percolation test was advised to confirm the soils and lot size can support both a conventional septic system and a dwelling — that is, that the proposed lot is buildable. Ms. Powers agreed to submit a revised, detailed application (with the short-form EAF and fee) by the next meeting, after which a public hearing may be scheduled. It was noted that subdividing the property would be in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.
Chairman McDonough explained the application and public-hearing sequence, including the Board’s requirement to review Section XI.B.2.b of the Zoning Code, and advised the applicant to speak with neighboring residents to garner support.
Withdrawn application
Nick Cuttleback, who had appeared at the August meeting, withdrew his application for an area variance to construct a 12′ × 28′ addition to his single-story home at 195 Stillwater Bridge Road.
Adjournment
Ed McDonough moved to adjourn at 7:53 p.m.; Rich Geddis seconded. Ayes: McDonough, Geddis, Griswold, Shover · Nays: None.
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Hale, Clerk.
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